Shanghai, China — Leaders from Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU), led by University President Fr. Aristotle C. Dy, SJ, undertook a cultural and industry visit to Shanghai that brought together engagements in industry, technology, urban development, and culture. The program unfolded over several days and provided structured exposure to different sectors, with the support of Liwayway Corporation, the company behind the Oishi brand.
The visit began at Liwayway Corporation’s headquarters and production hub in Shanghai. CEO and President Mr. Larry Chan, together with the Oishi leadership team, received the delegation and guided the visit. The discussions provided a clear view of how the company operates across China and other Asian markets. These covered expansion strategies, product development, and the demands of competing in a large and fast-moving industry. The visit also showed how a Filipino-founded company continues to grow internationally while maintaining a clear identity and long-term direction.
A historical reference added context to the engagement. The delegation learned about Paduka Batara of Sulu, a Mindanao ruler who traveled to China in 1417 during the Ming Dynasty to establish relations with the imperial court and later received an imperial burial in Dezhou after his death. The example situates present-day exchanges within a longer history of interaction between the two societies. Efforts to sustain these ties have been strongly supported by Mr. Carlos Chan and his family, whose leadership has been instrumental in continuing initiatives that strengthen Filipino and Chinese relations through business and long-term engagement.
Following the industry visit, the delegation moved into cultural and spiritual engagements within the city. The group visited the Xujiahui St Ignatius Catholic Cathedral, one of the most prominent Catholic churches in Shanghai, where they encountered the vibrant presence of the Church in an urban Chinese setting.
The visit was followed by a stop and dinner at Yuyuan Garden, where classical Chinese architecture and landscaped gardens offered insight into the country’s cultural heritage and aesthetic traditions.
The second day of the program shifted to sites outside the immediate urban center. The delegation made a pilgrimage to Sheshan, a significant Catholic site situated on a hill overlooking the surrounding area. The visit provided a reflective moment in the itinerary and highlighted the continued presence of faith communities in the region. The group also held the Stations of the Cross at the site.
The delegation also traveled to Zhujiajiao, a historic river town known for its canals, stone bridges, and preserved structures. The experience offered a contrast to Shanghai’s urban scale and presented a view of traditional life and local heritage.
The third day of the visit focused on urban planning and technology. At the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, the delegation explored the city’s long-term development strategy. A key highlight was the “15-Minute Community Life Circle” initiative, which aims to make essential services such as healthcare, education, elderly care, and daily needs accessible within a short walk. The exhibits presented a model of sustainable and people-centered urban planning and offered a clear example of how long-term vision shapes city development.
The program continued with visits to Alibaba Cloud and AGIBot. At Alibaba Cloud, the group was introduced to AI-enabled services, cloud computing platforms, and data intelligence systems used in urban management and digital services. At AGIBot, the delegation encountered developments in robotics and embodied artificial intelligence, including demonstrations of robots designed for interaction, mobility, and adaptive tasks. These visits provided a direct look at how technology is shaping industries and systems.
The visit concluded with an evening cruise along the Huangpu River, passing through The Bund. The delegation viewed the city skyline at night while hearing accounts of Shanghai’s development and the districts that contributed to its growth as a global megacity. The experience served as a fitting culmination of a rich cultural and industry visit.
The Shanghai visit followed a clear progression from industry to culture, from tradition to innovation. Each part of the program was built on the previous one and offered a different lens on development. The experience showed how engagement across sectors can translate into practical learning while strengthening relationships that support long-term collaboration. For the ADNU leaders, the visit also served as a moment of reflection on the importance of thoughtful planning, openness to new ideas, and a willingness to innovate in shaping decisions and institutional directions.
